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https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/solo-travel-for-black-women/

By Tenille Clarke ·

The post Solo Travel Is The Ultimate Form Of Self-Care appeared first on Essence.

https://blacknerdproblems.com/james-wan-thanks-vfx-artists/

It’s a bittersweet time for fans of the DC Extended Universe’s (DCEU). On the one hand, the DCEU is being rebooted and rebranded into the DC Universe (DCU) after 10 years of tepid critical and box office response. On the other, fans of the DCEU are saying goodbye to current iterations of beloved DC Comics characters like Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman and possibly Jason Momoa’s record-breaking turn as Aquaman (2018’s Aquaman remains the highest-grossing DCEU film to date). But as fans shower praise on the actors, directors, and writers of some of the more beloved DCEU properties, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom director James Wan is showing gratitude to an often-undervalued asset in the filmmaking community: Visual Effects (VFX) teams.

It’s no secret that superhero movies rely heavily on special effects. But it takes real skill to make flying Kryptonians, lightning-wrangling goddesses, and deep-sea battles to look seamless. But for movies where the bulk of the action takes place in otherworldly settings like Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, directors like James Wan depend even more on VFX teams to bring their illustrious visions to life.

“For something like Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and the first Aquaman, so much of the movie is visual effects,” said Wan. “So much of the world is created in a synthetic environment. That immediately allows you to set the different depths and levels.”

Wan’s statement makes even more sense in the context of the Aquaman films, both of which he directed. In the sequel to the 2018’s blockbuster, Jason Momoa’s Arthur Curry/Aquaman defends Atlantis and the world-at-large against the villainous Black Manta. But this time Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) wields the Black Trident, a mystical weapon with the power to release a malevolent force upon the world, forcing Aquaman to form an alliance against the brother he imprisoned in the first movie. Needless to say, this kind of underwater adventure isn’t possible without a visionary director like Wan at the helm. But rather than highlight his own contributions to the project, he’s eager to shower praise on the VFX teams that he’s worked hand-in-glove with.

“I totally feel like people can be very dismissive of CGI and visual effects and stuff like that. But there’s so much artistry, there’s so much love, and passion, and just so much hard work that goes into these movies,” said Wan. “And that’s definitely the case with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Myself and my team, we work really hard to try and put out the best-looking stuff out there. I definitely feel like they are the unsung heroes of these kinds of movies.”

Wan’s not wrong. Over the past few years, more VFX workers have been speaking out against the long working hours, unrealistic deadlines, and low pay they’ve been forced to accept. And when special effects aren’t up to audience standards, it’s the VFX teams that are unfairly dragged by fans who don’t understand the brutal conditions those teams are working under.

Here’s how it works. When a film studio like Sony, Marvel, or Warner Bros. Discovery has a film project in the works, they’ll request for VFX studios to submit a bid to work on said project. Competition among the VFX studios is fierce, creating a race to the bottom where often the VFX studio charging the lowest price often wins the coveted contract.

But a low winning bid doesn’t negate the amount of hard work needed to fulfill the obligations of the contract. This has led to frontline VFX workers working horrendous hours for paltry paychecks. Such abominable conditions have led to a more and more VFX teams talking about and choosing to collectively organize. The latest such move came this September during the dual writers and actors strikes, when Marvel Studios VFX workers voted unanimously to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) union.

“It doesn’t matter how big of a cog they are, if you take one out and the machine wouldn’t function,” said Wan when speaking in a general sense about the importance of strong VFX teams. “Filmmaking is such a process that you need everyone to be able to contribute to it. You couldn’t make a movie like Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom without visual effects.”

But if jaw-dropping special effects and hearthrobs likes Jason Momoa and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II aren’t enough to get you to the theaters for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, then promises of one-of-a-kind movie-going experience might be.

“I would say, if [fans] enjoyed the first movie, it’s really just an extension of the first film in a lot of regards,” said Wan. “The movies that I make, the movies that I direct, I make them a fully cinematic experience so that they can be experienced and seen on the bigger screen. I do think that this movie is truly, truly designed for the big screen.”

For all the DCEU’s bumps and bruises, the Aquaman franchise has remained a bright spot in the cinematic universe. Whether Jason Momoa will be back in the DCU to play the coolest version of Aquaman ever remains to be seen. As for director James Wan, he’s looking forward to his next project coming out in early 2024. But it will be a while before Wan takes a seat in the director’s chair again.

“My next project that I’m producing is Night Swim. That’s the [supernatural horror film] that’s coming out in January. But in terms of directing, I’m taking a break. I’m taking a long nap!”

After completing the visual and storytelling spectacle that is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, that’s a nap James Wan more than deserves.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom hits theaters on Friday, December 22, 2023.

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The post Director James Wan Thanks VFX Artists as ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ Closes Out the DCEU appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.

https://www.blackenterprise.com/8-expert-tips-advice-for-aging-well-in-your-50s/

The nation is aging. According to AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons), the years ahead can be fulfilling if we create healthy and purposeful habits, behaviors, and attitudes.

Genetics is only one contributing factor in aging well. AARP outlined eight indicators that make a difference, plus advice on how to kickstart them into your journey.

• MAINTAIN STRONG SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

The AARP cites loneliness as a risk among older adults who do not maintain strong social connections. About one-third of U.S. adults aged 45 and older report feeling lonely, and the most vulnerable are low-income individuals, the CDC found. For older Black adults, loneliness differs from other ethnic groups because of the disproportionate barriers they face. 

Advice: To combat loneliness, AARP advises older adults to look for ways to “connect with others regularly,” such as talking to a loved one every day, taking up a hobby, or working part-time. Studies found that people with stronger social relationships increased their survival odds by 50%. 

• COMMIT TO PHYSICAL EXERCISE

Older African Americans have low levels of physical activity, which increases the risk of aging-related health conditions, according to studies. The AARP noted that those who tend to engage in physical activity they enjoy stave off potential risks of age-related illnesses. A 2022 study found that light physical activities such as walking, dancing, and gardening were associated with a lower risk of death.

Advice: Whether it’s 10 minutes or 30 minutes, try to do a physical activity about five days a week. AARP also suggests adding strength training.

• ADOPT A MEDITERRANEAN DIET

A 2022 study published in PLOS Medicine found that the earlier you adopt a Mediterranean diet, the better. A Mediterranean diet consists of various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, fish (especially those rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel), and healthy fats like olive oil.

Expert advice: Prioritize your day with at least five servings of vegetables per day, in addition to two to three servings of fruit. Use healthy fats like olive oil instead of butter or vegetable oil, and swap the red meat out for fish.

• LIVE OUT YOUR PURPOSE

A 2019 JAMA Network Open study of nearly 7,000 adults found that those who scored highest on a scale measuring “life purpose” were less likely to die over a four-year period compared with those who scored lower.  

Advice: What is important to you? Find out what your passion is so your later years can truly reflect your values and identity. This journey offers keys to new connections and adventures.

• SLEEP FOR SEVEN HOURS A NIGHT

Studies report a connection between sleep duration and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, dementia, and death. Alzheimer’s also increases your risk for chronic health problems such as obesity, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Advice: AARP encourages older adults to cultivate healthy habits right before bed, especially if they have trouble sleeping. These include avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the evenings and limiting screen time. Maintaining a sleep schedule is also essential. 

• EMBRACE A POSITIVE OUTLOOK

“Age is just a number,” so the saying goes, but studies show that optimism can take you a long way. Researchers note that ageist stereotypes can be a “self-fulfilling prophecy,” AARP reported. 

Advice: According to AARP, optimism can be cultivated by gratitude practices and positive self-talk. One approach is to shift your mindset about aging. 

• BE CONSCIENTIOUS ABOUT YOUR HABITS

AARP noted a study of 1,954 people found that those who were more conscientious were 22% less likely to experience cognitive impairment. Another showed a 35% reduced risk of early death.

Advice: Mark your calendar, AARP suggests. From setting reminders and intentions to prioritizing early arrivals to doctor appointments, these habits put you at the forefront of your life.

• CONSISTENTLY GROW YOUR BRAIN POWER

People who age well constantly learn new things and challenge their brains in order to stave off cognitive decline, experts say. That can mean taking a class at the community college, learning a new game such as chess or mah-jongg, or playing sudoku. Such activities also reduce stress, which can create inflammation that causes cellular damage to the body and brain.

Advice: Learn something new and do it often. 

If you haven’t done so already, consider how you can apply these productive habits, behaviors, and attitudes to your life at age 50 and into your golden years.

https://nerdist.com/article/godzilla-minus-one-coming-back-to-theaters-in-black-and-white/

The original Japanese masterpiece Godzilla hit theaters in 1954. The moody black-and-white production introduced the world to kaiju cinema and launched a beloved franchise. Almost 70 years later, with 32 Japanese sequels under his gargantuan belt, the massive lizard returned for Godzilla Minus One. This movie sets its action slightly before the original movie, firmly in Postwar Japan. The country is at its lowest point, defeated and desolated. When Godzilla comes a trampling, the people will have to band together to save themselves. It’s one of the best movies of the year, and now you can see it in throwback monochrome.

This news, which we first saw via CBR, is very exciting for Godzilla fans. Godzilla Minus One is perhaps the closest in tone and focus to the original movie, and while its colors are great, the chance to see it in theaters in black-and-white feels like a particular treat.

【モノクロ映像版上映決定】

白黒＜モノクロ＞の世界で
生きて、抗え。

『ゴジラ-1.0／C』
（ゴジラマイナスワン／マイナスカラー）

全国の劇場で
2024.1.12(金)より。https://t.co/QJMViKicU1

また、同日より入場者特典の配布も決定。#ゴジラマイナスワン#ゴジラ#GodzillaMinusOne#Godzilla pic.twitter.com/syJD5gssHL

— 『ゴジラ-1.0』【大ヒット上映中】 (@godzilla231103) December 19, 2023

We should add, so far Godzilla Minus One/Minus Color only has a Japanese release date. That is January 12, 2024. However, given the massive North American take for the film, it’s only a matter of time. The movie made $11 million on its opening weekend, making it the biggest opening for a live-action Japanese movie, and the biggest opening for a foreign language movie in 2023. That is, if you pardon the pun, huge. Given next year is the 70th anniversary of the original, we could easily see a Godzilla double feature with the OG and the new one in the near future.

At least we have this super rad poster for the Japanese release of Godzilla Minus One in black and white to tide us over until we get to see it over here.

Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. He hosts the weekly pop culture deep-dive podcast Laser Focus. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Instagram and Letterboxd.

The post GODZILLA MINUS ONE Heading Back to Cinemas in Black and White appeared first on Nerdist.